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Monday, August 20, 2007

One Dead Star

Ah, Astrophysics. Infinitely fascinating, but I would so be lying if I said I understood much of it.

Scientists have discovered what they call a "neutron star" high above our galaxy, which they have named Calvera. They are uncertain what kind of neutron star it is. As one scientist puts it, "Either Calvera is an unusual example of a known type of neutron star, or it is some new type of neutron star, the first of its kind." There are seven other known neutron stars, which are often called The Magnificent Seven within the scientific community. Calvera was the name of the villain in said movie.

A neutron star is apparently a heavenly body which has gone supernova some time in the past and lost their outer layers, forming a supernova remnant. The center of the star collapses under gravity, causing protons and electrons to form neutrons - hence the name.

I could go on and on, but like I said, I don't know much about this stuff, so I'll refer you instead to the BBC article.

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